Rabbi Yerucham Levovitz, known as The Mashgiach, was a renowned mashgiach ruchani and baal mussar at the prestigious Mir Yeshiva in Belarus. Born in 1873 (5633 in the Jewish calendar) in Lyuban, Minsk Voblast, Belarus, he showed early promise in his studies in small towns near Pohost and Halusk before furthering his education at the Bobruisk yeshiva and later the esteemed Slobodka yeshiva. Under the mentorship of Rabbi Nosson Tzvi Finkel, known as the Alter of Slobodka, Rabbi Yerucham excelled in his pursuit of Mussar teachings. Inspired by Rabbi Nosson Tzvi's guidance, he continued his studies at the revered Kelm Talmud Torah, founded by Rabbi Simcha Zissel Ziv, a prominent disciple of Rabbi Israel Salanter. At Kelm, he was opened up to a world of the wisdom of Hashem and brilliance. After his marriage, Rav Yerucham was given numerous opportunities to serve as a Mashgiach Ruchni to guide students' development. Believing that profound lomdus was crucial for effective leadership in the realm of Mussar, he dedicated eight years to studying in Kelm. During this period, he immersed himself in Shas and Shulchan Aruch, studying with his outstanding companion Rav Naftali Trop.
Kelm: Kelm Talmud Torah, a renowned yeshiva in pre-Holocaust Kelmė, Lithuania, stood distinct for its focus on Musar and self-improvement. The daily routine featured Shachris for an hour and a half, followed by the first Seder from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Mincha for half an hour, and the second Seder from 4:30 to 9 p.m., with the mussar Seder lasting an hour. Maariv commenced at 10 p.m., spanning an hour. This schedule, even on Erev Shabbos and Shabbos, symbolized the minimum study time, with dedicated bachurim investing extra hours in learning. Noteworthy is the lineage of Mashgichim from the Talmud Torah of Kelm, including prominent figures like Rabbi Nosson Tzvi Finkel of Slabodka, Rabbi Eliyahu Eliezer Dessler of Ponevezh Yeshiva, and Rabbi Yosef Yoizel Hurwitz of Novardok Yeshiva, Rabbi Yeruchom Levovitz of Mir, Rabbi Nosson Meir Wachtfogel among others. These luminaries left an indelible mark on the yeshiva landscape, shaping generations of scholars in Poland and Lithuania.
After his marriage, Rav Yerucham was given numerous opportunities to serve as a Mashgiach Ruchni to guide students' development. Believing that profound lomdus was crucial for effective leadership in the realm of Mussar, he dedicated eight years to studying in Kelm. During this period, he immersed himself in Shas and Shulchan Aruch, studying with his outstanding companion Rav Naftali Trop.
At the age of 30, the esteemed Chofetz Chaim selected Rav Yerucham to serve as the Mashgiach. During his time in Radin, an intriguing event involved a Dybbuk, a demon that possessed a young girl. The Chofetz Chaim, Rav Elchanon, and Rav Yeruchom came to her aid. In 5667 (1907). Legend has it that Rabbi Yerucham's inaugural lecture focused on Emunah, which profoundly impacted his student Rav Yechezkel Levenstein, who vowed never to waver from the faith after that.
After brief assignments leading the Ponevezh Yeshiva and rebuilding the Slabodka Yeshiva, Rav Yeruchm was chosen as the Mashgiach of Yeshivas Mir.
Rabbi Yerucham, the esteemed spiritual leader of the renowned Mir yeshiva for 37 years, made a lasting impact on yeshivos globally. He engaged the yeshiva by delivering regular shmuessen and held private talks at his home on Friday evenings and after Shabbas. His shmuessen, given four times weekly, often explored profound interpretations of Torah verses and teachings of Chazal, opting for deep analyses over fiery rhetoric. His emphasis on unveiling Rashi's true intentions is legendary.
Reb Yerucham, a product of Kelm, kept meticulous records of how he spent his days. He kept a log of what time he arose each day, how long it took him to dress, how long it took him to bathe, eat, and take care of daily activities, how much time he learned in the Beis Midrash, and when he went to sleep. In this manner, he could better have his saichel control his actions.
For the last two years of his life, as part of the redevelopment process for the American Biys, he began teaching them Chumash with Raashi. He believed that the primary way to build and strengthen Emunah was by studying Chumash with Rashi regularly. He also stated that all the fundamental principles of faith in Emunah can be found in Rashi's commentary on Chumash.
His discourses and lectures are preserved for posterity in the following sefarim: "Daas Torah, a six-volume set on the parashah. "Daas Chochma U'Mussar," "Shvivai Daas," and "Sifsai Daas on Pirkei Avos," which are a staple of many yeshiva libraries today, as well as many Orthodox Jewish households. His son, Rav Simcha Zissel Halevi Levovitz, was the founder of a yeshiva in Boro Park, Brooklyn, and was responsible for publishing the writings of his father, as well as publishing the writings of Rav Simcha Zissel Ziv, the Alter of Kelm.